Oral care compositions with film forming polymers

ABSTRACT

Oral care compositions comprising:
     a) an oral care active; and   b) an acrylic film forming polymer.
 
In various embodiments, such polymers comprise monomeric units such as acrylic acid, methacrylic acid, acrylates, and combinations thereof. In one embodiment, the film forming polymer comprises a copolymer of a first monomeric unit selected from the group consisting of acrylic acid, methacrylic acid, and combinations thereof, with a second monomeric unit selected from the group consisting of acrylates, acrylamides, acetates, and combinations thereof. In various embodiments, the polymer is a terpolymer comprising a combination of the second monomeric units. Preferably, the composition additionally comprises a lower alcohol, such as ethanol. In various embodiments, the oral care active comprises a whitening material, such as a peroxide.

This application is a continuation of U.S. Ser. No. 10/902,720 filedJul. 29, 2004.

INTRODUCTION

The present invention relates to oral care compositions comprisingcertain polymers. Embodiments of the present invention includecompositions comprising film forming polymers, and methods for whiteningteeth using such compositions.

Many individuals desire a “bright” smile and white teeth, and considerdull and stained teeth cosmetically unattractive. Unfortunately, withoutpreventive or remedial measures, stained teeth are almost inevitable dueto the absorbent nature of dental material. Everyday activities such assmoking or other oral use of tobacco products, and eating, chewing ordrinking certain foods and beverages (in particular coffee, tea and redwine), cause undesirable staining of surfaces of teeth. Staining canalso result from microbial activity, including that associated withdental plaque. The chromogens or color causing substances in thesematerials become part of the pellicle layer and can permeate the enamellayer. Even with regular brushing and flossing, years of chromogenaccumulation can impart noticeable tooth discoloration.

A tooth is comprised of an inner dentin layer and an outer hard enamellayer that is the protective layer of the tooth. The enamel layer of atooth is naturally opaque, and white or a slightly off-white color. Theenamel layer is composed of hydroxyapatite mineral crystals that createa somewhat porous surface. These hydroxyapatite crystals formmicroscopic hexagonal rods or prisms that make up the enamel surface. Asa result, the surface of the enamel presents microscopic spaces or poresbetween the prisms. Without limiting the composition, mechanism, orutility of present invention, it is believed that this porous nature ofthe enamel is where discoloring substances permeate the enamel anddiscolor the teeth.

There are a variety of compositions described in the art for preventingor treating the discoloration of teeth. In particular, to combatstaining and brighten or restore the natural enamel color, a variety ofproducts containing bleaching materials are commercially available forprofessional and consumer use. The most commonly accepted chemicals usedin teeth whitening today are peroxides. Peroxides are generally deemedsafe from a physiological standpoint, and can be effective to whitenteeth. Such peroxides include hydrogen peroxide, carbamide peroxide,sodium perborate, and sodium percarbonate. When these peroxides are inappropriate contact with teeth they will usually oxidize stains,rendering the teeth whiter.

Many professional dental treatments include a tooth surface preparationstep, such as acid etching, followed by the application of highlyconcentrated bleaching solutions (e.g., up to 37% hydrogen peroxide)and/or the application of heat or light. (See, e.g., U.S. Pat. Nos.5,425,953 and 5,766,574.) These procedures provide rapid results, butare expensive and often require several trips to the dentist. In manytreatments, the patient's lips are uncomfortably retracted and thepatient is confined to sitting in the dental chair.

Alternatively, at home bleaching systems can be used. These systems havegained significant popularity in the past decade because of reducedcost, and increased convenience. Instead of time consuming and frequenttrips to the dentist, the tooth whitener is purchased at a consumerretail store and may be used while performing other personal tasks orerrands, relaxing or sleeping.

Current home treatment methods include abrasive toothpastes, toothpastesthat produce oxides, whitening gels for use with a dental tray andwhitening strips. The effectiveness of such techniques depends on avariety of factors including the type and intensity of the stain,bleaching agent contact time on the teeth, the amount of availablebleaching active in the composition, and consumer compliance.Effectiveness is also dependant on the amount of bleaching active in thecomposition, the ability of the active to be released during use, andthe stability of the active in the product. However, the effectivenessof many of these treatments is adversely affected because ofdeficiencies in one or more factors relating to the composition andconsumer compliance.

SUMMARY

The present invention provides oral care compositions. Embodimentsinclude oral care compositions comprising:

-   a) an oral care active; and-   b) an acrylic film forming polymer.    In various embodiments, such polymers comprise monomeric units    selected from the group consisting of acrylic acid, methacrylic    acid, acrylates (including methacrylates), and combinations thereof.    In one embodiment, the film forming polymer comprises a copolymer of    a first monomeric unit selected from the group consisting of acrylic    acid, methacrylic acid, and combinations thereof, with a second    monomeric unit selected from the group consisting of acrylates,    acrylamides, acetates, and combinations thereof. In various    embodiments, the polymer is a terpolymer comprising a combination of    the second monomeric units. Preferably, the composition additionally    comprises a lower alcohol, preferably ethanol.

In various embodiments, the present invention provides a whiteningcomposition, wherein the oral care active comprises material, such as aperoxide, that is effective to whiten a tooth surface to which theapplication is applied. In one embodiment, the present inventionprovides oral care compositions comprising:

-   a) a peroxide composite comprising hydrogen peroxide and an N-vinyl    heterocyclic polymer; and-   b) an acrylic acid polymer comprising a copolymer of a first    monomeric unit selected from the group consisting of acrylic acid,    methacrylic acid, and combinations thereof, with a second monomeric    unit selected from the group consisting of acrylates, acrylamides,    acetates, and combinations thereof.    Methods are also provided for whitening a tooth surface, comprising    applying a composition comprising a safe and effective amount of a    whitening active, such as a peroxide composite, and an acrylic acid    polymer.

It has been discovered that compositions and methods of this inventionafford advantages over oral care compositions among those known in theart. Such compositions comprising a whitening active may exhibit one ormore of such benefits, including enhanced whitening efficacy, providinga higher available concentration of bleaching agent, tooth adherence inthe presence of saliva without the use of a dental tray and release ofthe bleaching agent over a period of time. Further uses, benefits andembodiments of the present invention are apparent from the descriptionset forth herein.

DESCRIPTION

The following definitions and non-limiting guidelines must be consideredin reviewing the description of this invention set forth herein. Theheadings (such as “Introduction” and “Summary,”) and sub-headings (suchas “Compositions” and “Methods”) used herein are intended only forgeneral organization of topics within the disclosure of the invention,and are not intended to limit the disclosure of the invention or anyaspect thereof. In particular, subject matter disclosed in the“Introduction” may include aspects of technology within the scope of theinvention, and may not constitute a recitation of prior art. Subjectmatter disclosed in the “Summary” is not an exhaustive or completedisclosure of the entire scope of the invention or any embodimentsthereof. Classification or discussion of a material within a section ofthis specification as having a particular utility (e.g., as being an“active” or a “carrier” ingredient) is made for convenience, and noinference should be drawn that the material must necessarily or solelyfunction in accordance with its classification herein when it is used inany given composition.

The citation of references herein does not constitute an admission thatthose references are prior art or have any relevance to thepatentability of the invention disclosed herein. Any discussion of thecontent of references cited in the Introduction is intended merely toprovide a general summary of assertions made by the authors of thereferences, and does not constitute an admission as to the accuracy ofthe content of such references. All references cited in the Descriptionsection of this specification are hereby incorporated by reference intheir entirety, except to the extent (if any) such references areinconsistent with the disclosure of this application.

The description and specific examples, while indicating embodiments ofthe invention, are intended for purposes of illustration only and arenot intended to limit the scope of the invention. Moreover, recitationof multiple embodiments having stated features is not intended toexclude other embodiments having additional features, or otherembodiments incorporating different combinations the stated of features.Specific Examples are provided for illustrative purposes of how to makeand use the compositions and methods of this invention and, unlessexplicitly stated otherwise, are not intended to be a representationthat given embodiments of this invention have, or have not, been made ortested.

As used herein, the words “preferred” and “preferably” refer toembodiments of the invention that afford certain benefits, under certaincircumstances. However, other embodiments may also be preferred, underthe same or other circumstances. Furthermore, the recitation of one ormore preferred embodiments does not imply that other embodiments are notuseful, and is not intended to exclude other embodiments from the scopeof the invention.

As used herein, the word ‘include,” and its variants, is intended to benon-limiting, such that recitation of items in a list is not to theexclusion of other like items that may also be useful in the materials,compositions, devices, and methods of this invention.

As referred to herein, all compositional percentages are by weight ofthe total composition, unless otherwise specified.

Compositions

The present invention provides oral care compositions and methods foradministration or application to, or use with, a human or other animalsubject. As referred to herein, an “oral care composition” is anycomposition that is suitable for administration or application to theoral cavity a human or animal subject for enhancing the health, hygieneor appearance of the subject, preferably providing such benefits as theprevention or treatment of a condition or disorder of the teeth, gums,mucosa or other hard or soft tissue of the oral cavity; the preventionor treatment of a systemic condition or disorder; the provision ofsensory, decorative or cosmetic benefits; and combinations thereof. Invarious preferred embodiments, an oral care composition is notintentionally swallowed, but is rather retained in the oral cavity for atime sufficient to effect the intended utility. Preferably, specificmaterials and compositions to be used in this invention arepharmaceutically- or cosmetically-acceptable. As used herein, such a“pharmaceutically acceptable” or “cosmetically acceptable” component isone that is suitable for use with humans and/or animals to provide thedesired therapeutic, prophylactic, sensory, decorative, or cosmeticbenefit without undue adverse side effects (such as toxicity,irritation, and allergic response) commensurate with a reasonablebenefit/risk ratio.

The present invention provides oral care compositions comprising:

-   a) an oral care active; and-   b) an acrylic film forming polymer.

Acrylic Polymer:

The compositions of the present invention comprise an acrylic filmforming polymer. Such polymers comprise monomeric units selected fromthe group consisting of acrylic acid, methacrylic acid, acrylates, andcombinations thereof, and are operable to form a film, preferably whencast on a substrate from a solution. In one embodiment, the compositionsof the present invention comprise an acrylic copolymer of a firstmonomeric unit selected from the group consisting of acrylic acid,methacrylic acid and combinations thereof and a second monomeric unitselected from the group consisting of acrylates, acrylamides, acetatesand combinations thereof. Preferred first monomeric units includemethacrylic acid or β-methacrylic acid.

Second monomeric units include acrylates, acrylamides, acetates andcombinations thereof. In one embodiment, the second monomeric unitcomprises one or more acrylates. Acrylates include isobutyl acrylate,tert-butyl acrylate, 2-ethylhexyl acrylate, lauryl acrylate,lauryl/tridecyl acrylate, cetyl acrylate, stearyl acrylate, cyclohexylacrylate, benzyl acrylate, isobornyl acrylate, 2-methoxyethyl acrylate,2-ethoxyethyl acrylate, 2-ethoxyethoxyethyl acrylate, 2-phenoxyethylacrylate, tetrahydrofurfuryl acrylate, 2-hydroxyethyl acrylate,2-hydroxypropyl acrylate, 4-hydroxybutyl acrylate, dimethylaminoethylacrylate, and 1,4-butanediol acrylate. Diacrylates include thediacrylates of: 1,4-butanediol, 1,6-hexanediol, tetraethylene glycol,tripropylene glycol, and ethoxylated bisphenol-A. Triacrylate monomersinclude those of: trimethylol propane, ethoxylated, glyceryl propoxy,and pentaerythritol.

Acrylates further include methacrylates such as methyl methacrylate,ethyl methacrylate, n-butyl methacrylate, isobutyl methacrylate,tert-butyl methacrylate, 2-ethylhexyl methacrylate, lauryl methacrylate,alkyl methacrylate, tridecyl methacrylate, stearyl methacrylate,cyclohexyl methacrylate, benzyl methacrylate, isobornyl methacrylate.2-hydroxyethyl methacrylate, 2-hydroxypropyl methacrylate,dimethylaminoethyl methacrylate, diethylaminoethyl methacrylate,glycidyl methacrylate, tetrahydrofurfuryl methacrylate, allylmethacrylate, ethylene glycol methacrylate, triethylene glycolmethacrylate, tetraethylene glycol methacrylate, 1,3-butyleneglycolmethacrylate, 1,6-hexanediol methacrylate, trimethylopropanemethacrylate, ethoxyethyl methacrylate and trifluoroethyl methacrylate.Additional preferred second monomeric units include ethyl acrylate,butyl acrylate, N-tertbutyl acrylamide, hydroxyethyl methacrylate, andcombinations thereof. A preferred co-polymer is methacrylic acid andethyl acrylate (Kollicoat®, marketed by BASF, Mount Olive, N.J., USA).

Acrylamides includes, but are not limited to, acrylamide, methacrylamideand di(C₁-C₃₀) alkyl-acrylamides and -methacrylamides such as those ofmethyl, ethyl, propyl, butyl, pentyl, hexyl and the like. N-substitutedacrylamides that are also suitable include N-ethylacrylamide,N-tert-butylacrylamide, N-tert-octylacrylamide, N-octylacrylamide,N-decylacrylamide, N-dodecylacrylamide and the correspondingN-substituted methacrylamides. Other N-substituted acrylamides includeN-hydroxymethyl acrylamide, N-isopropylacrylamide, N-methylacrylamide,N,N′-methylenebisacrylamide, N-isobutoxymethylacrylamide,N,N-dimethylacrylamide and 2-acrylamido-2-methylpropanesulfonic acid.

Acetates include the salts and esters of acetic acid. A non-limitingexample of a salt is the metal salt zinc acetate. Esters include thoseof with alkyl, aryl, aromatic and vinyl groups and the like. Preferableesters include vinyl acetate. In one embodiment, vinyl acetate, crotonicacid and vinyl neodecanoate are combined to form a preferred polymer forembodiments of this invention (Luviset CAN®, marketed by BASF, MountOlive, N.J., USA).

In certain embodiments, the polymer is a terpolymer. The terpolymer cancomprise a first monomeric unit and two of the same or different secondmonomeric units. Other preferred terpolymers include the terpolymer oft-butyl acrylate, methacrylic acid and dimethicone copolyol (LuviflexSilk®, marketed by BASF, Mount Olive, N.J., USA); and N-tert-butylacrylamide, ethyl acrylate and acrylic acid (Ultrahold Strong®, marketedby BASF, Mount Olive, N.J., USA).

In one embodiment, the polymer comprises a terpolymer of acrylates,acrylamides, acetates and combinations thereof. One embodiment comprisesethyl acrylate, t-butyl acrylate and methacrylic acid. Such a polymer iscommercially available as Luvimer®, marketed by BASF, Mount Olive, N.J.;USA.

Another preferred polymer additionally comprises a third monomeric unitselected from the group consisting of siloxanes, vinyl esters of C₅ toC₁₂ alcohols, and combinations thereof. The siloxane monomer unitincludes a silicon-oxygen-silicon bond referred to as a siloxane bond.The monomer can be substituted with hydrocarbon radicals being attacheddirectly via a carbon atom onto the silicon atoms. The most commonhydrocarbon radicals are alkyl radicals, especially C₁-C₁₀ alkylradicals. The siloxane is used to create silicones and can bepolymerized or polycondensed. Compounds incorporating the siloxane bondinclude, but are not limited to, hexamethyldisiloxane,octamethyltrisiloxane, linear siloxanes, such as dimethicone andaromatic siloxanes. Siloxane-containing polymers among those usefulherein include poly(dimethyl siloxane)-g-polyacrylate polymers, such as3M Silicone “Plus” Polymers, such as VS80, marketed by 3M Corporation,St. Paul, Minn., U.S.A. Vinyl esters suitable for the third monomericunit include vinyl pentanoate, vinyl hexanoate, vinyl heptanoate, vinyloctanoate, vinyl nonanoate, vinyl decanoate and vinyl dodecanoate.

Other acrylic polymers useful herein include polyhydroxyethylmethacrylate, sold under the name Poly HEMA, by PolyScience Warrington,Pa., U.S.A. Other polymers include acrylic acid copolymers such asMG-0560 and MG-0580, marketed by Dow Corning Corporation, Midland,Mich., U.S.A.

Other acrylate polymers suitable for use herein are the water swellablepolymers and generally formed from acrylic acid, methacrylic acid,methyl acrylate, ethyl acrylate, methyl methacrylate, ethylmethacrylate, and/or other vinyl monomers. Suitable water swellablepolymers include Eudragit® series (E, L, S, RL, RS, and NE), marketed byRohm Pharma, Piscataway, N.J.; USA. A preferred polymer is EudragitE100. Such polymers are disclosed in U.S. Patent Publication2003/0235549, Singh et al., published Dec. 25, 2003.

Preferably, the polymer carrier is alcohol soluble, substantially waterinsoluble, substantive to the teeth or other surfaces of the oralcavity, and stable to the active material (e.g., peroxide). Preferablysuch compositions do not exhibit adverse aesthetic effects, such as withrespect to taste and mouthfeel (e.g., do not exhibit stickiness tosurfaces other than those to which they are applied, or unpleasanttexture). Without limiting the composition, method or utility of thepresent invention, it is believed in various embodiments the polymerhave the characteristics of providing a film that is secured against thedental surface. Such embodiments comprise:

-   -   a) an active material; and    -   b) a polymer comprising a hydrophobic moiety and a calcium        complexation moiety.

Preferably, the calcium complexation moiety comprises a monomeric unitselected from the group consisting of acrylic acid, methacrylic acid,and combinations thereof, including first monomeric units as discussedabove. Preferably, the hydrophobic moiety comprises a monomeric unitselected from the group consisting of acrylates, acrylamides, acetates,and combinations thereof, including second monomeric units as discussedabove. In such an embodiment, the polymer induces additional interactionwith the teeth enamel by complexation with Ca²⁺ components of teeth,such as hydroxyapatite. The complexing provides increased adhesion ofthe polymer with the teeth and this adhesion affords controlled releaseof peroxide compound from the composition. The hydrophobic moietyinduces resistance of the polymer to removal from the teeth by saliva.

Oral care compositions of this invention comprise from about 0.2% toabout 60% of the polymer. In a most preferred embodiment, the polymercomprises from about 10% to about 30% of the oral care composition.

Active Materials:

The compositions of the present invention comprise an active material,which is operable for the prevention or treatment of a condition ordisorder of hard or soft tissue of the oral cavity, the prevention ortreatment of a physiological disorder or condition, or to provide acosmetic benefit. In various embodiments, the active is a “systemicactive” which is operable to treat or prevent a disorder which, in wholeor in part, is not a disorder of the oral cavity. In variousembodiments, the active is an “oral care active” operable to treat orprevent a disorder or provide a cosmetic benefit within the oral cavity(e.g., to the teeth, gingival or other hard or soft tissue of the oralcavity). Oral care actives among those useful herein include whiteningagents, anticaries agents, tartar control agents, antiplaque agents,periodontal actives, abrasives, breath freshening agents, malodorcontrol agents, tooth desensitizers, salivary stimulants, andcombinations thereof. It is understood that while general attributes ofeach of the above categories of actives may differ, there may somecommon attributes and any given material may serve multiple purposeswithin two or more of such categories of actives. Preferably, suchactives are selected for compatibility with the peroxide complex,peroxide compound, and with other ingredients of the composition.Actives among those useful herein are disclosed in U.S. PatentPublication 2003/0206874, Doyle et al., published Nov. 6, 2003; U.S.Pat. No. 6,290,933, Durga et al., issued Sep. 18, 2001; and U.S. Pat.No. 6,685,921, Lawlor, issued Feb. 3, 2004.

Actives useful herein are optionally present in the compositions of thepresent invention in safe and effective amounts. A “safe and effective”amount of an active is an amount that is sufficient to have the desiredtherapeutic or prophylactic effect in the human or lower animal subjectto whom the active is administered, without undue adverse side effects(such as toxicity, irritation, or allergic response), commensurate witha reasonable benefit/risk ratio when used in the manner of thisinvention. The specific safe and effective amount of the active willvary with such factors as the particular condition being treated, thephysical condition of the subject, the nature of concurrent therapy (ifany), the specific active used, the specific dosage form, the carrieremployed, and the desired dosage regimen.

In various embodiments, the compositions of the present inventioncomprise a whitening agent. As further discussed below, a “whiteningagent” is a material which is effective to effect whitening of a toothsurface to which it is applied. In various embodiments, the compositionsof this invention comprise a peroxide whitening agent, comprising aperoxide compound. As referred to herein, a “peroxide compound” is anoxidizing compound comprising a bivalent oxygen-oxygen group. Peroxidecompounds include peroxides and hydroperoxides, such as hydrogenperoxide, peroxides of alkali and alkaline earth metals, organic peroxycompounds, peroxy acids, pharmaceutically-acceptable salts thereof, andmixtures thereof. Peroxides of alkali and alkaline earth metals includelithium peroxide, potassium peroxide, sodium peroxide, magnesiumperoxide, calcium peroxide, barium peroxide, and mixtures thereof.Organic peroxy compounds include carbamide peroxide (also known as ureahydrogen peroxide), glyceryl hydrogen peroxide, alkyl hydrogenperoxides, dialkyl peroxides, alkyl peroxy acids, peroxy esters, diacylperoxides, benzoyl peroxide, and monoperoxyphthalate, and mixturesthereof. Peroxy acids and their salts include organic peroxy acids suchas alkyl peroxy acids, and monoperoxyphthalate and mixtures thereof, aswell as inorganic peroxy acid salts such as persulfate, dipersulfate,percarbonate, perphosphate, perborate and persilicate salts of alkaliand alkaline earth metals such as lithium, potassium, sodium, magnesium,calcium and barium, and mixtures thereof. In various embodiments, theperoxide compound comprises hydrogen peroxide, urea peroxide, sodiumpercarbonate and mixtures thereof. In one embodiment, the peroxidecompound comprises hydrogen peroxide. In one embodiment, the peroxidecompound consists essentially of hydrogen peroxide. The peroxidecompound comprises from about 0.1% to about 50%, optionally from about1% to about 40%, optionally from about 10% to about 30% of the oral carecomposition.

In one embodiment, the peroxide compound is part of a peroxidecomposite. In one embodiment, the composite comprises an N-vinylheterocyclic polymer. Such embodiments of this invention comprise:

-   a) a peroxide composite comprising hydrogen peroxide and an N-vinyl    heterocyclic polymer;-   b) an acrylic acid polymer comprising a copolymer of a first    monomeric unit selected from the group consisting of acrylic acid,    methacrylic acid, and combinations thereof, with a second monomeric    unit selected from the group consisting of acrylates, acrylamides,    acetates, and combinations thereof, and-   c) an orally acceptable non-aqueous carrier.

In one embodiment, the particulates comprise an N-vinyl heterocyclicpolymer which is derived from a N-heterocyclic vinyl monomer, preferablycomprising, N-vinyl heterocyclic monomers having from 3 to 7 atoms in aheterocyclic ring, including a carbonyl carbon atom and a nitrogenheteroatom containing a vinyl group. Preferably the ring contains 5 or 6atoms, comprises heteroatoms such as sulfur or oxygen, and may besubstituted or unsubstituted.

Certain embodiments of such polymers are the polymers of specificN-vinyl heterocyclic monomers such as N-vinyl imides to formpoly-N-vinyl polyimides, and N-vinyl lactams to form poly-N-vinylpolylactams, and mixtures thereof. Suitable N-vinyl imides include:N-vinyl malonimide; N-vinyl succinimide; N-vinyl glutarimide; N-vinylmaleimide; N-vinyl β-methylglutarimide; N-vinyl α-amylsuccinimide; andN-vinyl adipimide.

Suitable N-vinyl lactams include: N-vinyl peperidone; N-vinylcaprolactam; N-vinyl-3-methylpyrrolidinone or piperidone, orcaprolactam; N-vinyl-4-methylpyrrolidinone, or piperidone orcaprolactam; N-vinyl-5-methyl pyrrolidinone or piperidone;N-vinyl-3-ethyl pyrrolidinone; N-vinyl-4,5-dimethyl pyrrolidinone;N-vinyl-5,5-dimethylpyrrolidinone; N-vinyl-3,3,5-trimethylpyrrolidinone; N-vinyl-5-methyl-5-ethyl pyrrolidinone;N-vinyl-3,4,5-trimethyl-3-ethyl pyrrolidinone;N-vinyl-6-methyl-2-piperidone; N-vinyl-6-ethyl-2-piperidone;N-vinyl-3,5-dimethyl-2-piperidone; N-vinyl-4,4-dimethyl-2-piperidone;N-vinyl-7-methyl caprolactam; N-vinyl-7-ethyl caprolactam;N-vinyl-3,5-dimethyl caprolactam; N-vinyl-4,6-dimethyl caprolactam;N-vinyl-3,5,7-trimethyl caprolactam.

Embodiments containing poly-N-vinyl polylactams, include but are notlimited to poly-N-vinyl pyrrolidone, poly-N-vinyl-2-piperidone,poly-N-vinyl-2-caprolactam, poly-N-vinyl-3-methyl-2-caprolactam,poly-N-vinyl-3-methyl-2-piperidone, poly-N-vinyl-4-methyl-2-piperidone,poly-N-vinyl-4-methyl-2-caprolactam, poly-N-vinyl-3-ethyl-2-pyrrolidone,poly-N-vinyl-4,5-dimethyl-2-pyrrolidone and mixtures thereof.Preferably, the polymer is selected from the group consisting ofpoly-N-vinyl poly-2-pyrrolidone, poly-N-vinyl-poly-2-piperidone,poly-N-vinyl-poly-2-caprolactam and mixtures thereof.

In a preferred embodiment, the polymer ispoly-N-vinyl-poly-2-pyrrolidone. The poly-N-vinyl-poly-2-pyrrolidone isalso commonly known as polyvinylpyrrolidone or “PVP”. PVP refers to apolymer containing vinylpyrrolidone (also referred to asN-vinylpyrrolidone, N-vinyl-2-pyrrolidione and N-vinyl-2-pyrrolidinone)as a monomeric unit. The monomeric unit consists of a polar imide group,four non-polar methylene groups and a non-polar methane group. Thepolymers include soluble and insoluble homopolymeric PVPs. Copolymerscontaining PVP include vinylpyrrolidone/vinyl acetate (also known asCopolyvidone, Copolyvidonum or VP-VAc) andvinylpyrrolidone/dimethylamino-ethylmethacrylate.

Soluble PVP polymers among those useful herein are known in the art,including Povidone, Polyvidone, Polyvidonum, poly(N-vinyl-2-pyrrolidinone), poly (N-vinylbutyrolactam),poly(1-vinyl-2-pyrrolidone) and poly [1-(2-oxo-1pyrrolidinyl)ethylene].These PVP polymers are not substantially cross-linked.

In various embodiments of this invention, an insoluble cross-linkedhomopolymer is preferred. Such polymers include those common referred toin the art as polyvinylpolypyrrolidone, cross-povidone, PVP and cPVP,and are referred to herein as “cPVP”. The homopolymer is prepared byfree radical polymerization of the monomer vinylpyrrolidone.

In one embodiment, the poly-N-vinyl-poly-2-pyrrolidone has a lactam ofthe pyrrolidone ring that provides the hydrophilic characteristics.Without limiting the composition, mechanism or utility of the invention,it is believed that such groups allow the peroxide compound to bind tothe cPVP. The hydrophobic characteristics attributed to the methylenegroups in the ring and the linear aliphatic backbone prevent theperoxide complex from reacting with saliva while still maintaining theperoxide available to whiten the teeth. The surface characteristics ofthe cPVP serve as a barrier to the passage of the peroxide component andprevents the premature distribution of the peroxide component uponapplication of the oral care composition in the oral cavity. The cPVPlinked peroxide is released over a period of time through diffusion,temperature variance, moisture levels and other factors.

The cPVP is a white or slightly yellow hygroscopic powder. As usedherein, “hygroscopic” refers to the property of readily absorbingmoisture. In various embodiments, the polymer has a moisture absorptionof from about 10% to about 40% by weight of the peroxide compound.

cPVP is particularly suitable for trapping a peroxide to form a peroxidepolymer composite. Without limiting the composition, mechanism orutility of the present invention, it is believed in various embodimentsthat the surface characteristics of the cross-linked polymer serves as abarrier to the passage of the peroxide and prevents the prematuredistribution of the peroxide upon application of the oral carecomposition to the oral cavity, while maintaining the peroxide availableto whiten the teeth. The cPVP linked peroxide is released over a periodof time through diffusion, temperature variance, moisture levels andother factors. This provides a significant advantage over other oralwhitening compositions.

The polymer particulates useful herein are made by well establishedprocesses. The poly-N-vinyl polylactams are produced by polymerizing avinyl lactam in the presence of an alkaline catalyst. (See U.S. Pat.Nos. 2,938,017, Grosser, et al, issued May 24, 1960; 3,277,066, Grosser,et al, issued Oct. 4, 1966 and 3,306,886, Grosser, et al, issued Feb.28, 1967). Embodiments containing poly-N-vinyl polyimides are producedby heating an N-vinyl imide in the presence of a catalyst. (See U.S.Pat. No. 3,306,881, Grosser, et al, issued Feb. 28, 1967). Inalternative embodiments comprising a co-polymer of the N-vinylheterocyclic compound is produced by polymerizing N-vinyl heterocyclicand dissimilar vinyl monomers. (See U.S. Pat. Nos. 2,667,473, Morner, etal, issued Jan. 26, 1954; and 2,947,633, Perry et al, issued Aug. 2,1960).

Porous cross-linked polymers among those useful herein include thosecommercially available as: Luvicross®, Kollidon® CL, Divergan® F,Divergan HM and Divergan RS, marketed by BASF, Mount Olive, N.J., USA;and PolyPlasdone®, marketed by ISP, Wayne, N.J., USA. It is understoodthat embodiments of the invention are not limited to a PVP of a specificmolecular weight and that any equivalent PVP of acceptable purity,preferably pharmaceutical grade, is within the scope of embodiments ofthis invention.

In various embodiments, the peroxide polymer particulates are made bysuspending the polymer (preferably cPVP) in a suitable anhydrous organicsolvent. An anhydrous solution of the peroxide component is made,preferably utilizing the same organic solvent as the PVP suspension. Theperoxide solution is combined with the PVP suspension in an amountcorresponding to the desired molar ration of polymer peroxide of theperoxide complex. See, U.S. Pat. Nos. 5,108,742, Merianos, issued Apr.28, 1992; and 4,564,514, Druaz, et al, issued Jan. 14, 1986. In oneembodiment, the peroxide complex has an equal (1:1) molar ratio ofhydrogen peroxide to the polymer.

In one embodiment, the concentration of the peroxide complex is limitedso that the hydrogen component is no more than 6%, so as to maintain apreferred viscosity. In such an embodiment, the combination of theperoxide complex and peroxide compound comprise a total peroxideconcentration of greater than 6%, operable to provide more effectivebleaching. Furthermore, in alternative embodiments where a peroxy acidserves as the peroxide compound, the oxidizing strength of the oral carecomposition is increased due to the leaving qualities of theRCO₂-component of the peroxy acid.

The peroxide compound comprises from about 0.1% to about 50% of the oralcare composition. In a preferred embodiment, the peroxide comprises fromabout 2% to about 15% of the oral care composition.

The compositions of the present invention optionally comprise anon-peroxide whitening agent. Whitening agents among those useful hereininclude non-peroxy compounds, such as chlorine dioxide, chlorites andhypochlorites. Chlorites and hypochlorites include those of alkali andalkaline earth metals such as lithium, potassium, sodium, magnesium,calcium and barium. Non-peroxide whitening agents also includecolorants, such as titanium dioxide and hydroxyapatite. One or morewhitening agents are optionally present in a tooth-whitening effectivetotal amount, typically about 0.1% to about 90%, for example about 0.5%to about 50% or about 1% to about 20% by weight of the composition.

The compositions of the present invention optionally comprise anabrasive. In various embodiments, an abrasive is useful for example as apolishing agent. Any orally acceptable abrasive can be used, but type,fineness (particle size) and amount of abrasive should be selected sothat tooth enamel is not excessively abraded in normal use of thecomposition. Suitable abrasives include silica, for example in the formof silica gel, hydrated silica or precipitated silica, alumina,insoluble phosphates, calcium carbonate, resinous abrasives such asurea-formaldehyde condensation products and mixtures thereof. Amonginsoluble phosphates useful as abrasives are orthophosphates,polymetaphosphates and pyrophosphates. Illustrative examples aredicalcium orthophosphate dihydrate, calcium pyrophosphate, β-calciumpyrophosphate, tricalcium phosphate, calcium polymetaphosphate andinsoluble sodium polymetaphosphate. One or more abrasives are optionallypresent in an abrasive effective total amount, typically about 5% toabout 70%, for example about 10% to about 50% or about 15% to about 30%by weight of the composition. Average particle size of an abrasive, ifpresent, is generally about 0.1 to about 30 μm, for example about 1 toabout 20 μm or about 5 to about 15 μm.

The compositions of the present invention optionally comprise a tartarcontrol (anticalculus) agent. Tartar control agents among those usefulherein include phosphates and polyphosphates (for examplepyrophosphates), polyaminopropanesulfonic acid (AMPS), polyolefinsulfonates, polyolefin phosphates, diphosphonates such asazacycloalkane-2,2-diphosphonates (e.g.,azacycloheptane-2,2-diphosphonic acid), N-methylazacyclopentane-2,3-diphosphonic acid, ethane-1-hydroxy-1,1-diphosphonicacid (EHDP) and ethane-1-amino-1,1-diphosphonate, phosphonoalkanecarboxylic acids and salts of any of these agents, for example theiralkali metal and ammonium salts. Useful inorganic phosphate andpolyphosphate salts include monobasic, dibasic and tribasic sodiumphosphates, sodium tripolyphosphate, tetrapolyphosphate, mono-, di-,tri- and tetrasodium pyrophosphates, sodium trimetaphosphate, sodiumhexametaphosphate and mixtures thereof, wherein sodium can optionally bereplaced by potassium or ammonium. Other useful anticalculus agentsinclude polycarboxylate polymers and polyvinyl methyl ether/maleicanhydride (PVME/MA) copolymers, such as those available under theGantrez™ brand from ISP, Wayne, N.J. One or more anticalculus agents areoptionally present in an anticalculus effective total amount, typicallyabout 0.01% to about 50%, for example about 0.05% to about 25% or about0.1% to about 15%.

The compositions of the present invention optionally comprise a fluorideion source useful, for example, as an anti-caries agent. Any orallyacceptable fluoride ion source can be used, including potassium, sodiumand ammonium fluorides and monofluorophosphates, stannous fluoride,indium fluoride and mixtures thereof. In various embodiments,water-soluble fluoride ion sources are used. One or more fluoride ionsources are optionally present in an amount providing a total of about0.0025% to about 2%, for example about 0.005% to about 1% or about 0.01%to about 0.3%, of fluoride ions.

The compositions of the present invention optionally comprise a stannousion source useful, for example, as a periodontal active, tartar controlagent, anticaries agent or tooth desensitizer. Any orally acceptablestannous ion source can be used, including stannous fluoride, otherstannous halides such as stannous chloride dihydrate, organic stannouscarboxylate salts such as stannous formate, acetate, gluconate, lactate,tartrate, oxalate, malonate and citrate, stannous ethylene glyoxide andthe like. One or more stannous ion sources are optionally present in atotal amount of from about 0.01% to about 10%, optionally from about0.1% to about 7% or from about 1% to about 5%.

The compositions of the present invention optionally comprise anantimicrobial (e.g., antibacterial) agent. Any orally acceptableantimicrobial agent can be used, including Triclosan(5-chloro-2-(2,4-dichlorophenoxy)phenol); 8-hydroxyquinoline and saltsthereof, zinc and stannous ion sources such as zinc citrate, zincsulphate, zinc glycinate, sodium zinc citrate and stannouspyrophosphate; copper (II) compounds such as copper (II) chloride,fluoride, sulfate and hydroxide; phthalic acid and salts thereof such asmagnesium monopotassium phthalate; sanguinarine; quaternary ammoniumcompounds, such as alkylpyridinium chlorides (e.g., cetylpyridiniumchloride (CPC), combinations of CPC with zinc and/or enzymes,tetradecylpyridinium chloride, and N-tetradecyl-4-ethylpyridiniumchloride,); bisguanides, such as chlorhexidine digluconate, hexetidine,octenidine, alexidine; halogenated bisphenolic compounds, such as 2,2′methylenebis-(4-chloro-6-bromophenol); benzalkonium chloride;salicylanilide, domiphen bromide; iodine; sulfonamides; bisbiguanides;phenolics; piperidino derivatives such as delmopinol and octapinol;magnolia extract; grapeseed extract; thymol; eugenol; menthol; geraniol;carvacrol; citral; eucalyptol; catechol; 4-allylcatechol; hexylresorcinol; methyl salicylate; antibiotics such as augmentin,amoxicillin, tetracycline, doxycycline, minocycline, metronidazole,neomycin, kanamycin and clindamycin; and mixtures thereof. A furtherillustrative list of useful antibacterial agents is provided in U.S.Pat. No. 5,776,435, Gaffar, et al., issued Jul. 7, 1998.

The compositions of the present invention optionally comprise anantioxidant. Any orally acceptable antioxidant can be used, includingbutylated hydroxyanisole (BHA), butylated hydroxytoluene (BHT), vitaminA, carotenoids, vitamin E, flavonoids, polyphenols, ascorbic acid,herbal antioxidants, chlorophyll, melatonin, and mixtures thereof.

The compositions of the present invention optionally comprise a salivastimulating agent, useful for example in amelioration of dry mouth. Anyorally acceptable saliva stimulating agent can be used, includingwithout limitation food acids such as citric, lactic, malic, succinic,ascorbic, adipic, fumaric, and tartaric acids, and mixtures thereof. Oneor more saliva stimulating agents are optionally present in a salivastimulating effective total amount.

The compositions of the present invention optionally comprise a breathfreshening agent. Any orally acceptable breath freshening agent can beused, including without limitation zinc salts such as zinc gluconate,zinc citrate and zinc chlorite, α-ionone and mixtures thereof. One ormore breath freshening agents are optionally present in a breathfreshening effective total amount.

The compositions of the present invention optionally comprise anantiplaque (e.g., plaque disrupting) agent. Any orally acceptableantiplaque agent can be used, including without limitation stannous,copper, magnesium and strontium salts, dimethicone copolyols such ascetyl dimethicone copolyol, papain, glucoamylase, glucose oxidase, urea,calcium lactate, calcium glycerophosphate, strontium polyacrylates andmixtures thereof.

The compositions of the present invention optionally comprise ananti-inflammatory agent. Any orally acceptable anti-inflammatory agentcan be used, including steroidal agents such as flucinolone andhydrocortisone, and nonsteroidal agents (NSAIDs) such as ketorolac,flurbiprofen, ibuprofen, naproxen, indomethacin, diclofenac, etodolac,indomethacin, sulindac, tolmetin, ketoprofen, fenoprofen, piroxicam,nabumetone, aspirin, diflunisal, meclofenamate, mefenamic acid,oxyphenbutazone, phenylbutazone, and mixtures thereof.

The compositions of the present invention optionally comprise an H₂antagonist. H₂ antagonists useful herein include cimetidine, etintidine,ranitidine, ICIA-5165, tiotidine, ORF-17578, lupititidine, donetidine,famotidine, roxatidine, pifatidine, lamtidine, BL-6548, BMY-25271,zaltidine, nizatidine, mifentidine, BMY-52368, SKF-94482, BL-6341A,ICI-162846, ramixotidine, Wy-45727, SR-58042, BMY-25405, loxtidine,DA-4634, bisfentidine, sufotidine, ebrotidine, HE-30-256, D-16637,FRG-8813, FRG-8701, impromidine, L-643728, HB-408.4, and mixturesthereof.

The compositions of the present invention optionally comprise adesensitizing agent. Desensitizing agents useful herein includepotassium citrate, potassium chloride, potassium tartrate, potassiumbicarbonate, potassium oxalate, potassium nitrate, strontium salts, andmixtures thereof. Alternatively or in addition a local or systemicanalgesic such as aspirin, codeine, acetaminophen, sodium salicylate ortriethanolamine salicylate can be used.

The compositions of the present invention optionally comprise anutrient. Suitable nutrients include vitamins, minerals, amino acids,and mixtures thereof. Vitamins include Vitamins C and D, thiamine,riboflavin, calcium pantothenate, niacin, folic acid, nicotinamide,pyridoxine, cyanocobalamin, para-aminobenzoic acid, bioflavonoids, andmixtures thereof. Nutritional supplements include amino acids (such asL-tryptophane, L-lysine, methionine, threonine, levocamitine andL-carnitine), lipotropics (such as choline, inositol, betaine, andlinoleic acid), fish oil (including components thereof such as omega-3(N-3) polyunsaturated fatty acids, eicosapentaenoic acid anddocosahexaenoic acid), coenzyme Q10, and mixtures thereof.

The compositions of the present invention optionally comprise proteins.Suitable proteins include milk proteins and enzymes such asperoxide-producing enzymes, amylase, plaque-disrupting agents such aspapain, glucoamylase, glucose oxidase, and “next generation” enzymes.”

Orally Acceptable Carrier:

The present invention provides compositions comprising an orallyacceptable carrier. As used herein, an “orally acceptable carrier”refers to a material or combination of materials that are safe for usein the compositions of the present invention, commensurate with areasonable benefit/risk ratio, with which the peroxide complex may beassociated while retaining significant efficacy. Preferably, the carrierdoes not substantially reduce the efficacy of the active material.Selection of specific carrier components is dependant on the desiredproduct form, including dentifrices, rinses, gels, and paints. Invarious embodiments, the carrier is operable to sufficiently adhere theactive material against surfaces within the oral cavity to which thecomposition is administered, without concomitant use of a dental tray,mouthpiece, tape, or similar appliance. In various embodiments, thecarrier is operable for use with a tape, tray, mouthpiece or similarappliance.

In various embodiments, the compositions of the present inventioncomprise no carrier materials. (It is understood, without limiting thecomposition, function or utility of the present invention that theacrylic acid polymer may function as a carrier in various embodiments.)In other embodiments, the compositions additionally comprise one or morecarrier materials. Such carrier materials among those useful hereininclude adhesion agents, viscosity modifiers, diluents, surfactants,foam modulators, peroxide activators, peroxide stability agents,abrasives, pH modifying agents, humectants, mouth feel agents,sweeteners, flavorants, colorants, and combinations thereof. It isunderstood that while general attributes of each of the above categoriesof materials may differ, there may be some common attributes and anygiven material may serve multiple purposes within two or more of suchcategories of materials. Preferably, such carrier materials are selectedfor compatibility with the peroxide complex and with other ingredientsof the composition.

Preferably, the composition comprises a lower (i.e., C₂-C₅) alcohol,preferably in which the acrylic acid polymer is dissolved. A preferredlower alcohol is ethanol. In one embodiment, the composition comprisesan alcohol solution of the acrylic acid polymer, comprising from about50% to about 60% alcohol, by volume. As discussed above, preferably theacrylic acid polymer is substantive to, and forms a film on, teeth. Inone embodiment, such adherence is increased using rheology modifiersthat control and maintain the viscosity of the composition at around10,000 to about 700,000 cps, preferably below about 400,000 cps, andmost preferably around 200,000 cps. Suitable rheology modifiers includecPVP, petrolatum, and silicone.

In various embodiments, the carrier comprises an adhesion agent. Asreferred to herein, an adhesion agent is a material or combination ofmaterials that enhance the retention of the peroxide complex on the oralcavity surface onto which the composition is applied. Such adhesionagents include adhesives, film forming materials, viscosity enhancersand combinations thereof. Such materials include hydrophilic organicpolymers, hydrophobic organic polymers, silicone gums, silicas, andcombinations thereof. Adhesion agents are preferably present at a levelof from about 0.01% to about 75%, optionally from about 1% to about 40%.

Hydrophilic organic polymers useful herein include polyethylene glycols,nonionic polymers of ethylene oxide, block copolymers of ethylene oxideand propylene oxide, carboxymethylene polymers, polyvinyl pyrrolidone(PVP) and mixtures thereof. Nonaqueous hydrophilic polymers useful inthe practice of the present invention preferably provide a viscosity forthe composition in the range between about 10,000 cps to 600,000 cps.

Hydrophilic polymers also include polymers of polyethylene glycols andethylene oxide having the general formula:

HOCH₂(CH₂OCH₂)_(n)OH

wherein n represents the average number of oxyethylene groups.Polyethylene glycols available from Dow Chemical (Midland, Mich.,U.S.A.) are designated by number such as 200, 300, 400, 600, 2000 whichrepresents the approximate average molecular weight of the polymer.Polyethylene glycols 200, 300, 400 and 600 are clear viscous liquids atroom temperature, and are preferred for use in the practice of thepresent invention.

Another hydrophilic polymer useful herein is comprised of a watersoluble, nonionic block copolymer of ethylene oxide and propylene oxideof the formula: HO(C₂H₄O)_(a)(C₃H₆O)_(b)(C₂H₄O)_(c)H. The blockcopolymer is preferably chosen (with respect to a, b and c) such thatthe ethylene oxide constituent comprises from about 65 to about 75% byweight, of said copolymer molecule and the copolymer has an averagemolecular weight of from about 2,000 to about 15,000, with the copolymerbeing present in oral care composition.

A block copolymer useful herein is Pluraflo® L1220, marketed by BASF,Mount Olive, N.J., U.S.A., which has an average molecular weight ofabout 9,800. The hydrophilic poly(ethylene oxide) block averages about65% by weight of the polymer.

Organic polymers useful as adhesion enhancing agents include hydrophilicpolymers such as carbomers such as carboxymethylene polymers such asacrylic acid polymers, and acrylic acid copolymers. Carboxypolymethyleneis a slightly acidic vinyl polymer with active carboxyl groups. Acarboxypolymethylene is Carbopol® 974 marketed by Noveon, Inc.,Cleveland, Ohio, U.S.A.

Hydrophobic organic materials useful as adhesion enhancing agents in thepractice of the present invention include hydrophobic materials such aswaxes such as bees wax, mineral oil, mineral oil and polyethylene blends(e.g., Plastigel®, marketed by Lyne Laboratories, Brockton, Mass., USA.)petrolatum, white petrolatum, liquid paraffin, butane/ethylene/styrenehydrogenated copolymer) blends (e.g., Versagel®, marketed by Penreco,Houston, Tex., U.S.A.), acrylate and vinyl acetate polymers andcopolymers, polyethylene waxes, silicone polymers as discussed furtherherein and polyvinyl pyrrolidone/vinyl acetate copolymers. Inembodiments of the present invention containing a hydrophobic polymer,present in ratios of about 1 to about 85% weight of the composition.

Silicone polymers useful herein include, but are not limited to,silicone adhesives, silicone elastomers, silicone fluids, siliconeresins, silicone gums and mixtures thereof. In one embodiment, thecarrier comprises a pressure sensitive adhesive (PSA) composition,including those that are well known in the art. Generally, siliconebased PSA's are produced by condensing a silicone resin and anorganosiloxane such as a polydiorganosiloxane. Suitable siliconepolymers include the copolymer product of mixing a silanol terminatedpolydiorganosiloxane such as polydimethyl siloxane with asilanol-containing silicone resin whereby the silanol groups of thepolydiorganosiloxane undergo a condensation reaction with the silanolgroups of the silicone resin so that the polydiorganosiloxane is lightlycross-linked by the silicone resin (that is, the polydiorganosiloxanechains are bonded together through the resin molecules to give chainbranching and entanglement and/or a small amount of network character)to form the silicone pressure sensitive adhesive. A catalyst, forexample an alkaline material such as ammonia, ammonium hydroxide orammonium carbonate can be mixed with the silanol-terminatedpolydiorganosiloxane and the silicone resin to promote thiscross-linking reaction. Copolymerizing the silicone resin with thesilanol terminated polydiorganosiloxane affords a self adhering propertyand cohesive soft elastomer matrix. Modifying the silicone resin topolydiorganosiloxane ratio of the pressure sensitive adhesive willmodify the tackiness of the oral care composition. For example PSAs areavailable from the Dow-Corning Corporation, Midland, Mich., U.S.A.,under the brand name BIO-PSA. A preferred adhesion agent is Dow CorningSilicone Adhesive 8-7016 marketed by Dow-Corning Corporation. Thesilicone based pressure sensitive adhesive is present in the liquidwhitening compositions of the present invention at a concentration ofabout 0.5% to about 99%, optionally from about 5% to about 60%,optionally from about 10% to about 40%.

Silicone gums useful herein include high molecular weightpolydiorganosiloxanes having a viscosity at 25° C. of from about 500,000cS up to about 50,000,000 cS. Such silicone gums include thosepolydiorganosiloxanes with an average molecular weight of greater than500,000. The polysiloxane gums for use herein can be linear or cyclic,and branched or unbranched. Substituents may have any structure as longas the resulting polysiloxanes are hydrophobic, are not irritating,toxic or otherwise harmful when applied to the oral cavity, and arecompatible with the other components of the composition. Specificexamples of siloxane gums include polydimethylsiloxane,methylvinylsiloxane, copolymer, poly(dimethylsiloxane, diphenyl,methylinylsiloxane) copolymer and mixtures thereof. Silicone gumsinclude those commercially available, such as SE30, marketed by GeneralElectric.

Polysiloxane fluids useful herein include those with a viscosity, at 25°C., of from about 1 cStk to about 1000 cS, preferably from about 2 cS toabout 500 cS, and optionally from about 5 cS to about 400 cS.Polysiloxane fluids for use herein can be linear or cyclic, and can besubstituted with a wide variety of substituents (including as describedabove). Preferred substituents include methyl, ethyl and phenylsubstituents. Suitable polysiloxane fluids include linear polysiloxanepolymers such as dimethicone and other low viscosity analogues of thepolysiloxane materials, preferably having a viscosity at 25° C. of 200cS or less and cyclomethicone, and other cyclic siloxanes having forexample a viscosity at 25° C. of 200 cS or less. Commercial examples ofmaterials that are suitable for use herein include DC200 series fluidsmarketed by Dow-Corning Corporation and the AK Fluid series marketed byWacker-Chemie GmbH, München, Germany.

Adhesion agents also include inorganic materials. Such inorganicmaterials include silicon polymers such as amorphous silica compoundswhich function as thickening agents (e.g., Cab-o-Sil® fumed silicamanufactured by Cabot Corporation, Boston, Mass., U.S.A.; and Sylox 15also known as Sylodent 15, marketed by Davison Chemical Division of W.R.Grace & Co., Columbia, Md., U.S.A.).

Thickening agents among those useful herein include carboxyvinylpolymers, carrageenans (also known as Irish moss and more particularlyiota-carrageenan), cellulosic polymers such as hydroxyethylcellulose,carboxymethylcellulose (carmellose) and salts thereof (e.g., carmellosesodium), natural gums such as karaya, xanthan, gum arabic andtragacanth, colloidal magnesium aluminum silicate, colloidal silica andmixtures thereof. One or more thickening agents are optionally presentin a total amount of about 0.01% to about 15%, for example about 0.1% toabout 10% or about 0.2% to about 5% by weight of the composition.

Viscosity modifiers among those useful herein include mineral oil,petrolatum, clays and organomodified clays, silica and mixtures thereof.In various embodiments, such viscosity modifiers are operable to inhibitsettling or separation of ingredients or to promote redispersibilityupon agitation of a liquid composition. One or more viscosity modifiersare optionally present in a total amount of about 0.01% to about 10%,for example about 0.1% to about 5% by weight of the composition.

Diluents among those useful herein include materials or combinations ofmaterials that are operable to solubilize and/or suspend othercomponents of the composition. In various embodiments, diluents areoperable to adjust the viscosity of the composition, optionally inconjunction with viscosity modifiers (as discussed herein) and othercomponents of the composition. The composition is preferablynon-aqueous, i.e., does not contain appreciable amounts ofchemically-unbound water. In one embodiment, the composition comprisesless than about 5% water. Diluents include glycerin and lower alcohols,e.g., ethanol. Diluents are optionally present in the nonaqueous liquidwhitening compositions of the present invention in amounts of about 0.1%to about 98%, optionally in various embodiments from about 0.5% to about70%, from about 0.5% to about 50%, from about 0.5% to about 35%.

Surfactants among those useful herein include anionic, nonionic, andamphoteric surfactants. Surfactants may be used, for example, to provideenhanced stability of the formulation, to help in cleaning the oralcavity surfaces through detergency, and to provide foam upon agitation,e.g., during brushing with a dentifrice composition of the invention.Suitable anionic surfactants include water-soluble salts of C₈₋₂₀ alkylsulfates, sulfonated monoglycerides of C₈₋₂₀ fatty acids, sarcosinates,taurates and mixtures thereof. Illustrative examples of these and othersurfactants are sodium lauryl sulfate, sodium coconut monoglyceridesulfonate, sodium lauryl sarcosinate, sodium lauryl isoethionate, sodiumlaureth carboxylate, sodium dodecyl benzenesulfonate, and mixturesthereof. Suitable nonionic surfactants include poloxamers,polyoxyethylene sorbitan esters, fatty alcohol ethoxylates, alkylphenolethoxylates, tertiary amine oxides, tertiary phosphine oxides, dialkylsulfoxides and mixtures thereof. Suitable amphoteric surfactants includederivatives of C₈₋₂₀ aliphatic secondary and tertiary amines having ananionic group such as carboxylate, sulfate, sulfonate, phosphate orphosphonate. A suitable example is cocoamidopropyl betaine. One or moresurfactants are optionally present in a total amount of about 0.01% toabout 10%, for example about 0.05% to about 5% or about 0.1% to about2%. Preferably, the surfactant is nonionic and compatible with peroxidecompounds such as polyethylene oxide. Nonionic surfactants are presentin embodiments of this invention at levels of from about 0.01% to about1%.

Foam modulators useful herein include materials operable to increaseamount, thickness or stability of foam generated by the composition(e.g., dentifrice compositions) upon agitation. Any orally acceptablefoam modulator can be used, including polyethylene glycols (PEGs), alsoknown as polyoxyethylenes. High molecular weight PEGs are suitable,including those having an average molecular weight of about 200,000 toabout 7,000,000, for example about 500,000 to about 5,000,000 or about1,000,000 to about 2,500,000. One or more PEGs are optionally present ina total amount of about 0.1% to about 10%, for example about 0.2% toabout 5% or about 0.25% to about 2%.

Humectants useful herein include polyhydric alcohols such as glycerin,sorbitol, xylitol or low molecular weight PEGs. In various embodiments,humectants are operable to prevent hardening of paste or gelcompositions upon exposure to air. In various embodiments humectantsalso function as sweeteners. One or more humectants are optionallypresent in a total amount of about 1% to about 50%, for example about 2%to about 25% or about 5% to about 15%.

Peroxide activators such as sodium bicarbonate, sodium carbonate,manganese gluconate are optionally incorporated in the compositions ofthe present invention that comprise a peroxide. The activator isrelatively nonactive with the peroxide whitening agent in the nonaqueousliquid compositions. In various embodiments, the activator is operableto react with the peroxide to release oxygen when the liquid whiteningcomposition applied to the teeth is contacted with saliva in the oralcavity. The peroxide activator is optionally present in embodiments ofthis invention at a concentration of about 0.1% to about 50%.

pH modifying agents among those useful herein include acidifying agentsto lower pH, basifying agents to raise pH, and buffering agents tocontrol pH within a desired range. For example, one or more compoundsselected from acidifying, basifying and buffering agents can be includedto provide a pH of about 2 to about 10, or in various embodiments fromabout 2 to about 8, from about 3 to about 9, from about 4 to about 8,from about 5 to about 7, from about 6 to about 10, and from about 7 toabout 9. Any orally acceptable pH modifying agent can be used, includingwithout limitation carboxylic, phosphoric and sulfonic acids, acid salts(e.g., monosodium citrate, disodium citrate, monosodium malate, etc.),alkali metal hydroxides such as sodium hydroxide, carbonates such assodium carbonate, bicarbonates, sesquicarbonates, borates, silicates,phosphates (e.g., monosodium phosphate, trisodium phosphate,pyrophosphate salts, etc.), imidazole and mixtures thereof. One or morepH modifying agents are optionally present in a total amount effectiveto maintain the composition in an orally acceptable pH range.

Mouth-feel agents include materials which impart a desirable texture orother feeling during use of the composition. Such agents includebicarbonate salts, which in various embodiments impart a “clean feel” toteeth and gums due to effervescence and release of carbon dioxide. Anyorally acceptable bicarbonate can be used, including without limitationalkali metal bicarbonates such as sodium and potassium bicarbonates,ammonium bicarbonate, and mixtures thereof. One or more bicarbonatesalts are optionally present in a total amount of 0.1% to about 50%, forexample about 1% to about 20%.

Flavorants among those useful herein include any material or mixture ofmaterials operable to enhance the taste of the composition. Any orallyacceptable natural or synthetic flavorant can be used, such as flavoringoils, flavoring aldehydes, esters, alcohols, similar materials, andcombinations thereof. Flavorants include vanillin, sage, marjoram,parsley oil, spearmint oil, cinnamon oil, oil of wintergreen(methylsalicylate), peppermint oil, clove oil, bay oil, anise oil,eucalyptus oil, citrus oils, fruit oils and essences including thosederived from lemon, orange, lime, grapefruit, apricot, banana, grape,apple, strawberry, cherry, pineapple, etc., bean- and nut-derivedflavors such as coffee, cocoa, cola, peanut, almond, etc., adsorbed andencapsulated flavorants, and mixtures thereof. Also encompassed withinflavorants herein are ingredients that provide fragrance and/or othersensory effect in the mouth, including cooling or warming effects. Suchingredients include methol, menthyl acetate, menthyl lactate, camphor,eucalyptus oil, eucalyptol, anethole, eugenol, cassia, oxanone,α-irisone, propenyl guaiethol, thymol, linalool, benzaldehyde,cinnamaldehyde, N-ethyl-p-menthan-3-carboxamine,N,2,3-trimethyl-2-isopropylbutanamide, 3-1-menthoxypropane-1,2-diol,cinnamaldehyde glycerol acetal (CGA), methone glycerol acetal (MGA) andmixtures thereof. One or more flavorants are optionally present in atotal amount of about 0.01% to about 5%, optionally in variousembodiments from about 0.05 to about 2%, from about 0.1% to about 2.5%,and from about 0.1 to about 0.5%.

Sweeteners among those useful herein include orally acceptable naturalor artificial, nutritive or non-nutritive sweeteners. Such sweetenersinclude dextrose, polydextrose, sucrose, maltose, dextrin, dried invertsugar, mannose, xylose, ribose, fructose, levulose, galactose, cornsyrup (including high fructose corn syrup and corn syrup solids),partially hydrolyzed starch, hydrogenated starch hydrolysate, sorbitol,mannitol, xylitol, maltitol, isomalt, aspartame, neotame, saccharin andsalts thereof, sucralose, dipeptide-based intense sweeteners,cyclamates, dihydrochalcones and mixtures thereof. One or moresweeteners are optionally present in a total amount depending stronglyon the particular sweetener(s) selected, but typically at levels of fromabout 0.005% to about 5%, optionally from about 0.01 to about 1%.

Colorants among those useful herein include pigments, dyes, lakes andagents imparting a particular luster or reflectivity such as pearlingagents. In various embodiments, colorants are operable to provide awhite or light-colored coating on a dental surface, to act as anindicator of locations on a dental surface that have been effectivelycontacted by the composition, and/or to modify appearance, in particularcolor and/or opacity, of the composition to enhance attractiveness tothe consumer. Any orally acceptable colorant can be used, includingtalc, mica, magnesium carbonate, calcium carbonate, magnesium silicate,magnesium aluminum silicate, silica, titanium dioxide, zinc oxide, red,yellow, brown and black iron oxides, ferric ammonium ferrocyanide,manganese violet, ultramarine, titaniated mica, bismuth oxychloride,FD&C dyes, and mixtures thereof. One or more colorants are optionallypresent in a total amount of about 0.001% to about 20%, for exampleabout 0.01% to about 10% or about 0.1% to about 5%.

In one embodiment, the present invention provides compositionscomprising:

-   a) from about 0.5% to about 60% of an active, preferably a peroxide    composite comprising hydrogen peroxide and an N-vinyl heterocyclic    polymer;-   b) from about 0.2% to about 60% of an acrylic acid polymer    comprising a copolymer of a first monomeric unit selected from the    group consisting of acrylic acid, methacrylic acid, and combinations    thereof, with a second monomeric unit selected from the group    consisting of acrylates, acrylamides, acetates, and combinations    thereof, and-   (c) from about 0.5% to about 99.5% of ethyl alcohol.    Optionally, the composition additionally comprises one or more    components including from about 1 to about 50 of % of a block    copolymer of ethylene oxide and propylene oxide, from about 1% to    about 30% of a petrolatum, from about 1% to about 40% of    polyvinylpyrrolidone, and from about 1% to about 40% of hydrogen    peroxide.

Methods of Manufacture

The compositions of the present invention are made by any variety ofmethods, including adding and mixing the ingredients of the compositionin a suitable vessel such as a stainless steel tank provided with amixer. In one embodiment, the composition components are added to themixing vessel in the following order: adhesive polymer, diluent,thickener ingredients, peroxide composite (or other active) and anyflavoring, colorant or sweetener. In one embodiment, the adhesivepolymer is dissolved in ethyl alcohol at room temperature. PlurafloL4370 and petrolatum are then added and the solution is mixed for fiveminutes. The peroxide or other active is added and the solution is mixedfor 20 minutes until the mixture is homogenous. Additional ingredientssuch as flavorant, coloring or sweeteners are added at any point duringthe mixing process but in various embodiments, such ingredients arepreferably added last or close to last.

Methods

The present invention provides methods for whitening a tooth surfaceusing compositions according to the present invention. As referred toherein, “tooth” or “teeth” refers to natural teeth, dentures, dentalplates, fillings, caps, crowns, bridges, dental implants, and the like,and any other hard surfaced dental prosthesis either permanently ortemporarily fixed within the oral cavity. As used herein, “whitening”refers to a change in visual appearance of a tooth, preferably such thatsuch that the tooth has a brighter shade. Increase in whiteness of adental surface can be observed visually, for example with the aid ofcolor comparison charts or gauges, or measured by colorimetry, using anysuitable instrument such as a Minolta Chromameter, e.g., model CR-400(Minolta Corp., Ramsey, N.J.). The instrument can be programmed, forexample, to measure Hunter Lab values or L*a*b* values according to thestandard established by the International Committee of Illumination(CIE). The L*a*b* system provides a numerical representation ofthree-dimensional color space where L* represents a lightness axis, a*represents a red-green axis and b* represents a yellow-blue axis. The L*and b* axes are typically of greatest applicability to measurement oftooth whiteness. Increase in whiteness can be computed from differencesin L*, a* and b* values before and after treatment, or between untreatedand treated surfaces. A useful parameter is ΔE*, calculated as thesquare root of the sum of the squares of differences in L*, a* and b*values, using the formula:

ΔE*=[(ΔL*)2+(Δa*)2+(Δb*)2]½

A higher value of ΔE* indicates greater increase in whiteness. Invarious embodiments, the method of the present invention can effect aΔE* of at least about 1, or at least about 3, or at least about 4, or atleast about 5.

Accordingly, the present invention provides methods for whitening atooth surface, comprising applying to the surface a safe and effectiveamount of a peroxide compound or peroxide complex and an acrylic acidpolymer. Preferably the method comprises applying a composition of thepresent invention. As referred to herein, “applying” refers to anymethod by which the peroxide complex is placed in contact with the toothsurface. Such methods, in various embodiments, comprise directapplication of a composition by such methods as rinsing, painting, andbrushing. In various embodiments, application of the compositioncomprises the use of an application device which aids in maintainingcontact of the complex to the tooth surface for sufficient time so as toallow whitening.

Suitable application devices include dental trays, mouthpieces, floss,fibers, chips, strips and tapes. Strips among those useful hereincomprise polymers, natural and synthetic woven materials, non-wovenmaterial, foil, paper, rubber and combinations thereof. Preferably thestrip of material is substantially water insoluble. Suitable polymersinclude polyethylene, ethylvinylacetate, polyesters, ethylvinyl alcohol,fluoroplastics, and combinations thereof. In various embodiments, thestrip of material is generally less than about 1 mm (millimeter) thick,optionally less than about 0.05 mm thick, optionally about 0.001 toabout 0.03 mm thick. The shape of the strip is any shape and size thatcovers the desired oral surface. In one embodiment, the length of thestrip material is from about 2 cm (centimeter) to about 12 cm, inanother embodiment from about 4 cm to about 9 cm. The width of the stripmaterial will also depend on the oral surface area to be covered. Thewidth of the strip is generally from about 0.5 cm to about 4 cm, in oneembodiment from about 1 cm to about 2 cm. The strip material maycomprise shallow pockets, optionally filled by a composition of thisinvention so as to provide reservoirs of peroxide complex. Strips amongthose useful herein are disclosed in U.S. Pat. No. 6,514,484, Rajaiah etal. issued Feb. 4, 2003.

In one preferred embodiment, the whitening composition is applied usinga “paint on” technique. A small application device, such as a brush orspatula is coated with a composition of this invention and thecomposition is then placed on a tooth surface. Preferably, thecomposition be spread evenly on such surfaces, in sufficient quantity todeliver a whitening amount of the peroxide complex.

The present invention also provides methods for effecting the controlledrelease of an oxidizing peroxide species onto a tooth surface,comprising contacting the surface with a peroxide composite of thepresent invention. As referred to herein, such controlled release invarious embodiments comprises sustained release of the peroxide complex.Without limiting the mechanism, function or utility of presentinvention, in some embodiments contact with saliva causes the release ofan effective amount of peroxide active from the cross-linked polymermatrix to the applied tooth site over a period of time. Preferably, thecomposition is contacted with the tooth surface for at least about 30seconds, optionally at least about 1 minute.

In various embodiments, it is preferred that the subject does not eat ordrink while the composition is in contact with the dental surface. Thewhitening composition can be removed as and when required, at will, byan employment of standard oral hygiene procedures such as brushing or byrinsing, e.g., with a mouthwash. The process can be repeated severaltimes until the desired whitening results are achieved.

In various embodiments, compositions of the present invention are alsoused for the treatment or prevention of disorders in the oral cavity,including cavity prevention, whitening, plaque prevention or reduction,gingivitis prevention or reduction, tartar control, sensitivityprevention or reduction, breath malodor prevention or reduction, andstain prevention. Compositions of the present invention may also be usedfor the treatment or prevention of systemic disorders, such as theimprovement of overall systemic health characterized by a reduction inrisk of development of systemic diseases, such as cardiovasculardisease, stroke, diabetes, severe respiratory infection, premature andlow birth weight infants (including associated postpartum dysfunction inneurologic/developmental function), and associated increased risk ofmortality. Such methods include those disclosed in U.S. PatentPublication 2003/0206874, Doyle et al., published Nov. 6, 2003.

The present invention is further illustrated through the followingnon-limiting examples.

EXAMPLE 1

A composition of the present invention is made, as follows:

Ingredients Weight % 3M Silicone “Plus” Polymer VS 80 20 ethyl alcohol35 cPVP-H₂O₂ powder 20 Pluraflo L4370 10 snow white petrolatum 15 Total(%) 100

The VS-80 adhesive polymer is dissolved in the ethyl alcohol. ThePluraflo and petrolatum are then added and the solution is mixed forfive minutes. The peroxide is added and the solution is mixed for 20minutes until the mixture is homogenous.

EXAMPLE 2

A composition of the present invention is made, as follows:

Ingredients Weight % Luvimer 100P 18 ethyl Alcohol 35 cPVP-H₂O₂ powder27 Pluraflo L4370 10 snow white petrolatum 10 Total (%) 100

The composition is made by a process generally as described above inExample 1.

EXAMPLE 3

A composition of the present invention is made, as follows:

Ingredients Weight % Luvimer 100P 20 ethyl alcohol 35 cPVP-H₂O₂ powder25 Pluraflo L4370 10 snow white petrolatum 10 Total (%) 100

The composition is made by a process generally as described above inExample 1.

EXAMPLE 4

Ingredients Weight % 3M Silicone “Plus” Polymer VS 80 20 Ethyl Alcohol35 cPVP-H₂O₂ powder 20 Pluraflo L4370 10 snow white petrolatum 15 Total(%) 100

The composition is made by a process generally as described above inExample 1. The composition is subjected to accelerated aging (105/120)for several weeks, and remains stable with more than 90% of the peroxideremaining.

EXAMPLE 5

A composition of the present invention is made, as follows:

Ingredients Weight % Poly HEMA 10 ethyl alcohol 20 urea peroxide 18baking soda 1.5 tetrasodium pyrophosphate 1.5 propylene glycol 45 PVPK-90 1 fumed silica 3 Total (%) 100

The composition is made by a process generally as described above inExample 1. The whitening efficacy of the composition is determined usinga duplicate pair of flow cells designed to accommodate a total of eightbovine enamel blocks (four in each cell). The bovine enamel blocks arestained using an established staining protocol (Indiana University,Indianapolis, Ind.). The initial L*, a* and b* values are matched asclosely as possible using a chromometer (Minolta CR-321) based oninitial L*, a* and b* values (CIELAB). These initial values aretypically L*=25.00, a*=3.00, and b*=5,000 to L*=35.00, a*=5.00, andb*=7.00. The L, a, b values are measured four times at slightlydiffering locations on the surface of the bovine enamel blocks.

To simulate the saliva of the human mouth, an artificial saliva buffersolution maintained at 37° C. is prepared which contains the saltsusually present in saliva at levels typical to the levels found in humansaliva. The bovine enamel blocks are placed in the flow cells and thecompositions evenly applied using a brush, the amount of product appliedis determined using the weight difference of the container. Flow overthe teeth is 0.6 ml/min. for 30 min. Average initial (i) and final (f)chromometer readings are used to calculateΔE=((L_(f)−L_(i))₂+(b_(f)−b_(i))²+(a_(f)−a_(i))²)^(1/2). The final ΔEreported was the average overall observations after the rejection ofoutliers using the Student's test (95% confidence level). The results ofthe test, set forth in the following table, show that the compositionhas a whitening effect. The composition of this Example is testedaccordingly, and is found to have a ΔE value of about 10.

EXAMPLE 6

A composition of the present invention is made, as follows:

Ingredients Weight % Poly HEMA 10 ethyl alcohol 35 PVP-H₂0₂ 15 bakingsoda 1.5 tetrasodium pyrophosphate 1.5 propylene glycol 36 PVP K-90 1Total (%) 100

The composition is made by a process generally as described above inExample 1. The composition is tested, as described above, and is foundto have a ΔE value of about 13.

1. An oral care composition, comprising: (a) a whitening agent; (b) aterpolymer wherein the terpolymer comprises a polymer of a firstmonomeric unit and at least two of the same or different secondmonomeric units; and (c). a silicone polymer selected from the groupconsisting of silicone adhesives, silicone elastomers, silicone fluids,silicone resins, silicone gums and mixtures thereof.
 2. An oral carecomposition according to claim 1, wherein the first monomeric unit ischosen from acrylic acid and methacrylic acid, and the at least twosecond monomeric units are chosen from acrylates, acrylamides, andacetates.
 3. (canceled)
 4. An oral care composition according to claim2, wherein said first monomeric unit is methacrylic acid orβ-methacrylic acid.
 5. An oral care composition according to claim 4,wherein at least one second monomeric unit is an acrylate.
 6. An oralcare composition according to claim 4, wherein said second monomericunit is selected from the group consisting of ethyl acrylate, butylacrylate, N-tertbutyl acrylamide, and combinations thereof.
 7. An oralcare composition according to claim 2, wherein the terpolymer comprisesa second monomeric unit chosen from acrylates, acrylamides, andacetates, and a third monomeric unit selected from the group consistingof siloxanes, vinyl esters of C₅-C₁₂ alcohols, and combinations thereof.8. An oral care composition according to claim 1, wherein the terpolymeris a terpolymer of t-butyl acrylate, ethyl acrylate, and methacrylicacid.
 9. An oral care composition according to claim 1, comprising fromabout 0.2% to about 60% of said terpolymer.
 10. An oral care compositionaccording to claim 9, comprising from about 10% to about 30% of saidterpolymer.
 11. An oral care composition according to claim 1, whereinsaid whitening agent comprises a peroxide compound selected from thegroup consisting of hydrogen peroxide, organic peroxy compounds, peroxyacids, and mixtures thereof.
 12. An oral care composition according toclaim 11, wherein said peroxide compound comprises hydrogen peroxide.13. An oral care composition according to claim 12, wherein saidperoxide compound comprises a complex of hydrogen peroxide and anN-vinyl heterocyclic polymer.
 14. An oral care composition according toclaim 1, wherein said composition is substantially non-aqueous, andadditionally comprises a lower alcohol.
 15. An oral care compositionaccording to claim 14, additionally comprising an adhesion agentselected from the group consisting of waxes, mineral oil, petrolatum,hydrophilic polymers, and mixtures thereof.
 16. An oral care compositionaccording to claim 14, additionally comprising a hydrophilic polymerselected from the group consisting of polyethyelene glycols, nonionicpolymers of ethylene oxide, block copolymers of ethylene oxide andpropylene oxide, carboxymethylene polymers, polyvinyl pyrrolidone, andmixtures thereof.
 17. An oral care composition according to claim 14,comprising a silicone adhesive.
 18. An oral care composition,comprising: (a) an active material; and (b) a terpolymer; (c) a loweralcohol; and (d) a silicone polymer selected from the group consistingof silicone adhesives, silicone elastomers, silicone fluids, siliconeresins, silicone gums and mixtures thereof.
 19. An oral care compositionaccording to claim 36, wherein said first monomeric unit is methacrylicacid or β-methacrylic acid.
 20. An oral care composition according toclaim 19, wherein at least one second monomeric unit is an acrylate. 21.An oral care composition according to claim 20, wherein a second of saidsecond monomeric unit is selected from the group consisting of ethylacrylate, butyl acrylate, and N-tertbutyl acrylamide.
 22. An oral carecomposition according to claim 18, wherein said terpolymer is aterpolymer of t-butyl acrylate, ethyl acrylate, and methacrylic acid.23. An oral care composition according to claim 18, wherein said activematerial is selected from the group consisting of whitening agents,anticaries agents, tartar control agents, antiplaque agents, periodontalactives, abrasives, breath freshening agents, malodor control agents,tooth desensitizers, salivary stimulants, and combinations thereof. 24.An oral care composition according to claim 23, wherein said active is awhitening agent.
 25. An oral care composition according to claim 24,wherein said whitening agent is a peroxide compound comprising acomposite of hydrogen peroxide and an N-vinyl heterocyclic polymer. 26.A method of delivering an oral care active, comprising applying to anoral surface a safe and effective amount of the oral care composition ofclaim
 18. 27. A method according to claim 26, wherein said active isselected from the group consisting of whitening agents, anticariesagents, tartar control agents, antiplaque agents, periodontal actives,abrasives, breath freshening agents, malodor control agents, toothdesensitizers, salivary stimulants, and combinations thereof.
 28. Amethod according to claim 27, wherein said active is a whitening agent.29. A method according to claim 28, wherein said whitening agentcomprises a peroxide compound.
 30. A method according to claim 26,wherein a first monomeric unit of the terpolymer is methacrylic acid orβ-methacrylic acid.
 31. A method according to claim 26, wherein a secondmonomeric unit of the terpolymer is an acrylate.
 32. A method accordingto claim 31, wherein said second monomeric unit is selected from thegroup consisting of ethyl acrylate, butyl acrylate, and N-tertbutylacrylamide.
 33. A method according to claim 26, wherein said terpolymeris a terpolymer of t-butyl acrylate, ethyl acrylate, and methacrylicacid.
 34. A method according to claim 29, wherein said peroxide compoundcomprises hydrogen peroxide.
 35. A method according to claim 34, whereinsaid peroxide compound comprises a composite of hydrogen peroxide and anN-vinyl heterocyclic polymer.
 36. The composition of claim 18, whereinthe terpolymer comprises a first monomeric unit chosen from acrylic acidand methacrylic acid, and two second monomeric units chosen fromacrylates, acrylamides, and acetates.